Author: Anadolu Agency

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that his army forces will not withdraw from the demilitarized zone recently occupied in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and will stay there “indefinitely.” The Israeli army “will remain at the summit of the Hermon (Jabal al-Sheikh) and the security zone indefinitely to ensure the security of the communities of the Golan Heights and the north, and all the residents of Israel,” he said during a visit to Israeli forces in the area.

Palestine called on all countries on Tuesday to publicly oppose the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza. “We urge other countries to swiftly issue clear public stances rejecting the displacement of our people, in alignment with international law and international legitimacy resolutions,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It reaffirmed “absolute rejection of the policy of resettlement,” calling it “a heinous form of ethnic cleansing that comes as part of attempts to create political and security chaos in a conflict zone and undermine the security and stability of the region and the world.” The ministry called for “the immediate initiation…

The head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said Tuesday that Israel’s impending ban on the UN agency “will undermine” the ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip. “UNRWA is the largest UN presence in Gaza, with 13,000 personnel and 300 premises. The agency is critical for supporting a shattered population and the ceasefire,” Philippe Lazzarini said during a Security Council session on Palestine. Noting that ending UNRWA’s aid operations across the occupied Palestinian territories would put the fate of millions at stake, Lazzarini warned that it would also risk “the ceasefire and the prospects for…

Canada on Monday strongly condemned an attack on a Saudi hospital in Sudan. “Canada strongly condemns the drone attack on the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher, North Darfur, which killed and injured civilians and put the city’s only fully operational health facility out of service,” the Foreign Ministry said on X, stressing that the “use of drones marks an increased risk to civilians.” Describing health care workers and facilities as a “lifeline for civilians” during armed conflicts, it called for their protection “under all circumstances.” “Canada continues to call for all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian…

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomatic solutions to enhance global stability during a meeting Monday at Al Gudaibiya Palace in the capital Manama, according to Bahrain News Agency. The two leaders discussed “the development of strategic relations and opportunities to enhance cooperation, particularly in economic, trade, investment and sustainable development sectors to serve mutual interests.” King Hamad highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to “further strengthening ties with Italy and enhancing them to further achieve prosperity and benefit for their people.” The leaders also exchanged views on the latest…

Global beverage giant Coca-Cola has recalled multiple products sold in some European countries where high levels of chlorate were detected. The Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) said the recall involves products manufactured between Nov. 23 and Dec. 3, 2024. The list of recalled drinks includes Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Fuze Tea, Nalu, Minute Maid, Tropico and Royal Bliss in both cans and glass bottles with production codes ranging between 328 GE to 338 GE. Consumers were warned not to consume these products and return them to the points of sale. The recalled products were produced…

The UN chief on Monday expressed concern over US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a pause in foreign assistance. “The Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) notes with concern the announcement of a pause in US foreign assistance,” spokesman Stephane Dujarric said during a news conference, emphasizing the critical role such aid plays in supporting vulnerable populations worldwide. Noting the importance of ensuring that humanitarian and development programs remain unaffected, Dujarric said: “The Secretary-General calls for additional exemptions to be considered to ensure the continued delivery of critical development and humanitarian activities for the most vulnerable communities around the world, whose lives…

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited by US President Donald Trump to a meeting at the White House on February 4, the Israeli premier’s office said on Tuesday. “Prime Minister Netanyahu is the first foreign leader to be invited to the White House during US President Trump’s second term,” the statement said. The Trump-Netanyahu meeting comes after the US president repeatedly claimed credit for sealing an ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which came after months of fruitless negotiations. After the ceasefire took effect, Trump touted a plan to “clean out” the Gaza Strip, calling for Palestinians…

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan announced plans Monday to seek arrest warrants for individuals linked to alleged war crimes in Darfur, Sudan. Speaking at a UN Security Council session on Sudan and South Sudan, Khan described the situation as a “tailspin into deeper suffering, deeper misery for the people of Darfur,” with famine, an escalating conflict and targeted attacks on women and children. “Famine is present in Darfur. Conflict is increasing. Children are targeted. Girls and women are subject to rape, and the whole landscape is one of destruction,” he said. He described the allegations as evidence-based, and…

A Colombian Air Force plane was scheduled to depart from Bogota’s CATAM military airport Monday for San Diego, California to repatriate 110 Colombian citizens awaiting deportation from the US. “Fulfilling President Gustavo Petro’s commitment and following Foreign Minister Luis Guillermo Murillo’s announcement, the National Government has provided a Colombian Air Force aircraft to return 110 compatriots deported from the US. This repatriation will adhere to established protocols for the dignified return and guaranteed rights of returning citizens,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on X. The development follows a diplomatic dispute between Colombia and the US that escalated to the…